Eden Hazard admits to feeling price tag pressure as Belgium’s talisman

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Eden Hazard has admitted to feeling the pressure that comes with carrying Belgium’s World Cup hopes, reports Goal.

This World Cup is Belgium’s first tournament appearance in more than a decade, and it will be the majority of their squad’s first appearance in a major international competition. Despite their inexperience, Belgium are still one of the favourites to lift the trophy as a result of their quality in their squad.

Eden Hazard is Belgium’s star player, and the winger has starred in the Premier League since joining Chelsea from Lille for £32 million in 2012. As a result of his impressive displays, much is expected of him in Brazil.

The 23-year-old revealed to the Times of India that the expectation can be a weight on his shoulders, saying: ”It’s great to carry the burden of a nation and on the other hand, it’s huge pressure whenever you are on the pitch.

“Belgian people are aware of my price tag and so I guess it is quite natural for them to pin their hopes on me. I am only 23 but I am exposed to plenty of top level football to have a fair idea of what the World Cup will mean to me and my team.

“We have some exciting young talents who have the ability to turn a match on their own.”

Belgium came from a goal behind to beat Algeria 2-1 in their opening World Cup game, with Hazard supplying the pass for Dries Mertens’ winner in his first appearance at the World Cup.

Speaking about that victory, Hazard added: “It was a dream-come-true for me. This is the biggest of all tournaments. It’s a celebration time for football and for the participating nations.

“We have qualified for the finals after a long gap of 12 years. That was a great excitement for all of us. Getting to Brazil was a dream for all of us and we have reached here.

“Now the dream is to play as well as possible and force the world to focus on us. Our first target is to qualify from the group. To do so we have to play really well.

“Once we reach there, in the knockout, no one can predict anything. So, let’s just concentrate on the job at hand.”

Belgium face Russia in Group H at 17:00 UK time today, and a win would secure their place in the last 16.